Joaquin Moraga hosts Ariella Moon

Huge thanks to the English teachers, librarians, and students at Joaquin Moraga for their wonderful reception during my author visit on November 28, 2012. It was great to be back in the hood! I met so many terrific sixth graders during my presentations. English Core students packed the auditorium throughout the morning. Great questions everyone!

Thank you Vicki Crum and Laura Beaty for arranging this fabulous author event!

Read, read, read! Write, write, write!

~Ariella Moon

Encinitas Parents Protest Yoga

Bullying. Childhood obesity. Anger management issues. Intolerance. Poor school attendance. Teaching yoga in schools can help eliminate these ills and more. Yet, some parents in Encinitas, California want to oust yoga from their children’s curriculum. Why? Because they fear the program teaches Hinduism.

Yoga is a regimen of postures and breathing exercises that builds core strength, and physical and emotional balance. It is currently taught at Camp Pendleton to help Marines who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Encinitas schools received a $533,000 grant from the Jois Foundation to teach Ashtanga yoga in five elementary schools. The yoga instructors use kid-friendly names for the poses instead of Sanskrit. Parents may choose to excuse their children from yoga, but to some that isn’t enough. They want to shut down the program.

I am a firm believer in the separation of Church and State, but fail to see the “church” part of this equation. As Penny Peyser stated in her letter to the LA Times, “Yoga is a practice, not a religion.” To read Tony Perry’s LA Times article, use this link:

 LA Times article: Parents distressed by yoga

Namaste.

Ariella

Johnny Depp as Tonto

While waiting for the smog check to be run on my car, I flipped through a magazine on Native American art. An article on Native Americans on the silver screen caught my eye, especially this first glimpse at Johnny Depp as Tonto, and Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger.

In my upcoming sequel to my teen novel, Spell Check, I based the hero's appearance on a young Johnny Depp. Must get this picture out of my head for Spell Struck. But good luck to Johnny Depp. I can't wait to see what cinematic magic he conjures up for the role.

~Ariella

Samhain Song

Happy Samhain/ Happy Halloween!

Here's a haunting song from Lisa Thiel's Circle of the Seasons CD.
Listen to it while you remember loved ones you have lost.

Love and Light,
Ariella

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC-H9gYFWGc

The Witches’ New Year ~ Happy Samhain!

The Samhain Season is upon us, a time to honor loved ones who have passed and to mend old hurts so we do not carry them forward into the coming year.

Now when, the veil between worlds is thinnest, our thoughts turn to those we have lost. It is not unusual for those who have passed to try to communicate with us at this time. Within one week, just before I moved, many of my neighbors told me they had been thinking of Honey, my retriever mix, who had been a beloved fixture in the neighborhood before her death her three years ago.

For Christina and Cristina

Memorial Altars for Loved Ones who have passed

When I do book signings for my young adult novel, Spell Check, most of my readers ask about love and love spells, a major theme in the book. But others are in mourning and ask about loved ones who have died. Samhain is the perfect time to create a memorial for a relative, friend, or pet. In Mexico and Latin America, people celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead in November by creating special altars to honor the dead. If you are missing your grandfather, like my fan Christina, or your dog, like my niece Cristina, then create a memorial to honor them. Include a photograph, or items that remind you of them. You may want to light a candle in their honor, for Samhain is about fire. Smoke sends our blessing, thoughts, and prayers to the heavens, and fire illuminates and purifies.   

Love and Light,

Ariella

Malala Yousafzai: A Teen Voice For Equality

Fourteen-year-old Malala Yousafzai had good reason to be afraid. The Taliban in Pakistan considered her a threat because she dared defy them by publicly championing education for girls. Masked Taliban gunman targeted Malala on October 9. She sustained grave head, neck, and shoulder injuries, and two other schoolgirls were wounded. All three survived. Malala was flown to Britain for life-saving medical care. The New York Times and other news sources reported that the Taliban have vowed to try to kill her again.

According to Declan Walsh, who posted his own article and contributed from Islamabad to the NY Times article, a Taliban spokesman called Malala's "crusade for education rights an 'obscenity'."

Walsh's statement said it all:

"That Ms. Yousafzai’s voice could be deemed a threat to the Taliban — that they could see a schoolgirl’s death as desirable and justifiable — was seen as evidence of both the militants’ brutality and her courage."

Such bravery deserves our support. I am a strong believer in the power of collective prayer, intention, and healing energy. Take a moment to send healing and protective thoughts to Malala Yousafzai. Light a candle for her and add light to this teen beacon of courage.

~Ariella

Sixth Grade Girls Rock!

My writing career began in the sixth grade when I won a national essay contest. So I was thrilled to do a book signing for a roomful of sixth graders and a few parents.  Fairy energy abounded, and my dragon made a sly appearance to the delight and fright of all. Thanks to my amazing hostesses for creating a stellar event! Happy reading, everyone!

May all your days be magical,
~Ariella